Of 227 known recruits, 139 discharged; India seeks return of remaining nationals
India has confirmed that 51 of 227 Indian nationals known to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces have died, while 139 have been discharged, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on August 31. New Delhi remains in discussions with Moscow to secure the release and repatriation of Indians whose cases are still pending. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is monitoring the matter. Earlier cases involving Indians recruited for Russian military service had raised allegations that some people were misled by agents with promises of civilian jobs. The government has repeatedly taken up the issue with Russian authorities and sought the early return of Indian nationals still serving.
